Vote in the Anglo Fan Favorites Tournament, Men of 2013: Round 1

And we’re back! One of most highly anticipated Anglophenia features of the year returns, as you the voters select the third annual winner of our Anglo Fan Favorites men’s tournament. In our quest to name the Anglophile fan favorite of 2013, we’re pitting 32 British (and a few Irishmen with London cred) against each other in an epic fan voting tournament.

Each week you’ll vote for winners in a set of matchups, whittling down the field until there is one man standing — the Champion. (VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED FOR ROUND 1. Check back for Round 2 matchups.)

Tom Hiddleston, our 2012 victor, has worn the crown with honor, dignity, and playful panache, but now he must defend his title. Who among his 31 competitors can defeat him?

Last year’s runner-up immediately comes to mind: if 2012 was the year of the Hiddles, 2013 could be the beginning of the Benedict Cumberbatch epoch, as his rise shows no sign of slowing. His devoted online following is matched by his current popularity with casting directors. Star Trek Into Darkness introduced him (and his newly buff physique) to the masses, and The Fifth Estate, 12 Years a Slave, August: Osage County, The Imitation Game, back-to-back Hobbit movies, and the third season of the show that made him “a high-functioning sociopath” heartthrob, Sherlock, will only propel him further up Hollywood’s A-list.

But before we all but hand Cumberbatch the trophy, remember that Colin Morgan of Merlin fame prevailed over Benedict at this year’s fan-voted National Television Awards in Britain. And never underestimate the surging love for Doctor Who in its 50th anniversary year: former Doctor David Tennant and current, departing Doctor Matt Smith are set to meet in November’s special celebrating the series’ half-century milestone. And how about new faces Kit Harington, Ben Whishaw, Jim Sturgess, Andrew Scott, and Nicholas Hoult? Our man of 2013 could be anyone. But the choice is yours.

When the dust settles THE Man of 2013 will be crowned. Shout from the rooftops, inspire your fellow fans, and most importantly VOTE! Round 1 voting ends Thursday at 11 am ET.

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